Chapter 372: Arena of Trees (Part Two)
Behind her, High Lady Erna sat up straighter on her gilded throne, eager to see the demonstration of the Mother of Trees’ power. If Ashlynn could do as she’d claimed, the value of maintaining an alliance with the Vale of Mists would become even more obvious to the ministers who constantly pressured her to either bring her teacher to the High Fen or limit the protections she extended to the few merchants who reached the High Fen from the Vale of Mists each year.
"People of the High Fen," Ashlynn said, her voice rippling with the power of the wind to carry it to every corner of the arena as she spoke. "Honored guests," she added. "Tonight, my child Heila, the Willow Witch, will take to the sands for a final time. To honor the Blood Princess of the Arena, she has fought for nine days and defeated ninety men. Tonight, she will face her greatest challenge!"
In response to Ashlynn’s words, several people broke out in cheers and a few scattered chants rippled across the crowd.
"For the Blood Princess!"
"Willow Whip! Willow Whip! Willow Whip!"
"But people," Ashlynn added, holding her hands up high to still the crowd. "You have not seen my Heila at her best. The arena sands are dry and dusty, soaked only in blood," Ashlynn said, lowering her head as though she was apologizing for Heila’s poor showing. "Tonight, with help from my love, the Blood Princess of the Arena herself, you will have a chance to see the true power of a witch!"
"Were you always this good at addressing crowds, my darling?" Nyrielle whispered as she watched the people surge to their feet, cheering for Ashlynn’s words.
"I’ve gained some practice here," Ashlynn admitted. "Mostly, I’m imitating my father. He was always good with crowds. Now, relax, and open yourself to me," she instructed as she drew herself up to her full height and gathered emerald energy to her palms. "I’ll do the rest."
Drawing a deep breath, Ashlynn looked out across the arena floor, ensuring that all of the servants and even the Tuscans had left before she began to speak in a steady, even cadence that echoed across the arena.